Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Exercise in Spanish: Ejercicio
Ejercicio · noun · eh-her-SEE-see-oh
The Spanish word for exercise is ejercicio, a masculine noun (el ejercicio) that covers two primary meanings: physical exercise and a practice task or drill (like a homework exercise). Unlike English, where 'exercise' works seamlessly as both noun and verb, Spanish typically requires the verb phrase hacer ejercicio (to do exercise) rather than using ejercicio as a standalone verb. Alternatives include the reflexive verb ejercitarse and the fitness-focused entrenar (to train) or its noun form entrenamiento (workout, training).
Ejercicio is pronounced eh-her-SEE-see-oh. The j produces a breathy 'h' sound, and the stress falls on the third syllable (CI). The double c in ejercicio is not doubled in sound — each c precedes a different vowel. Entrenar is pronounced ehn-treh-NAR, with stress on the final syllable.
El médico me recomendó hacer ejercicio al menos tres veces por semana.
The doctor recommended that I exercise at least three times a week.
Exercise in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for exercise, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| ejercicio | exercise | eh-her-SEE-see-oh | Default, widely understood |
| hacer ejercicio | exercise | Verb phrase meaning 'to exercise,' used universally | |
| ejercitarse | exercise | Reflexive verb meaning 'to exercise oneself,' slightly more formal | |
| entrenar | exercise | Means 'to train' or 'to work out,' common in fitness contexts |
How Native Speakers Use Ejercicio
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Fitness routine
Todas las mañanas hago ejercicio en el parque antes de ir a trabajar.
Every morning I exercise in the park before going to work.
Hacer ejercicio is the standard way to express 'to exercise' in everyday Spanish. Hago is the first-person present tense of hacer.
Gym conversation
Mi entrenador me preparó una rutina de ejercicios para fortalecer la espalda.
My trainer prepared an exercise routine for me to strengthen my back.
In a fitness context, ejercicios (plural) refers to individual exercises within a workout. Entrenador means trainer or coach.
Classroom homework
Completen los ejercicios de la página treinta y cuatro para mañana.
Complete the exercises on page thirty-four for tomorrow.
Ejercicios also means academic exercises or drills. Completen is the ustedes imperative form, commonly used by teachers addressing students.
Training for a sport
El equipo entrena todos los días para el campeonato regional.
The team trains every day for the regional championship.
Entrenar focuses specifically on athletic training. It is the verb of choice when discussing sports practice and competitive preparation.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Ejercicio
Using ejercicio as a verb
Incorrect: Yo ejercicio en el gimnasio cada tarde.
Correct: Yo hago ejercicio en el gimnasio cada tarde.
Ejercicio is a noun, not a verb. You cannot conjugate it like a verb in Spanish. The correct construction is hacer + ejercicio. Alternatively, you can use the reflexive verb ejercitarse: Me ejercito en el gimnasio cada tarde.
Confusing ejercicio with éxito
Incorrect: Necesito más ejercicio para aprobar el examen. — intending 'practice'
Correct: Necesito hacer más ejercicios para aprobar el examen.
While ejercicio can mean a practice exercise (like a homework drill), it should be in the plural (ejercicios) to refer to practice problems. Also, do not confuse it with éxito (success), which is a common false friend for English speakers thinking of 'exit.'
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See Ejercicio used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Exercise in Spanish
- How do you say 'to exercise' as a verb in Spanish?
- The most common construction is hacer ejercicio (literally 'to do exercise'). You can also use the reflexive verb ejercitarse, which sounds slightly more formal. In fitness and sports contexts, entrenar (to train) is a popular alternative.
- What is the difference between ejercicio and entrenamiento?
- Ejercicio is a general term for physical exercise or a specific drill. Entrenamiento refers to a structured training session or workout program. You might say Hago ejercicio todos los días (I exercise every day) for general activity, but Mi entrenamiento dura una hora (My workout lasts an hour) for a planned session.
- Can ejercicio mean a homework exercise?
- Ejercicio has the same dual meaning as the English word 'exercise,' covering both physical activity and academic drills. Los ejercicios del libro (the exercises in the book) refers to practice problems, while hacer ejercicio (to exercise) refers to physical activity. Context makes the intended meaning clear.